Lyrics
Old man Polly's got a right to worry
Old man Polly is feeling anxious or concerned about something.
He's got to get up early today
He needs to wake up early today.
Just like Ronnie, getting up's not funny
Similar to Ronnie, waking up early isn't enjoyable unless it's later in the day.
Unless it's afternoon
Waking up late in the afternoon seems preferable or more pleasant.
A talented guy with a mighty sharp eye
Describing someone talented with a keen eye, possibly having missed opportunities.
Someone who could have been a gas
This person had potential but now seems average or ordinary.
Extra cool, has got a head, no fool
Remarkably composed and intelligent, not foolish.
Now he's like the rest
However, this person has now become ordinary like everyone else.
But now we see such an academic mind being programmed to the game
An intellectual mind is being conditioned to follow societal norms.
A jigsaw puzzle, but the pieces don't fit, we'll jam them all the same
An analogy to a jigsaw puzzle that doesn't fit but is forced to fit anyway.
Where the big ones all can gain (Wanna go home)
A situation where those in power benefit while others suffer (Expression of desire to go home).
Yes, he wanna go home
Expressing the desire to return home, away from the situation.
Sunday's rest on his old verandah with thoughts of giving it up
Relaxing on Sunday but contemplating giving up.
But thinking more of some propaganda the radiogram turns up
Thinking about propaganda or misleading information received through the radio.
A talented guy with a mighty sharp eye
Reiteration of the description of a talented individual who's missed opportunities.
Someone who could have been a gas
Similar to line 7, describing lost potential of an individual.
Extra cool, has got a head, no fool
Intelligent and composed, but now ordinary.
Now he's like the rest
Repetition of the idea that this person has become like everyone else.
But now we see such an academic mind being programmed to the game
Repetition of the academic mind being molded to conform.
A jigsaw puzzle but the pieces don't fit, we'll jam them all the same
Repetition of the analogy of forcing mismatched pieces together.
Where the big ones all can gain
Where the powerful benefit while others suffer, expressing the desire to go home.
Wanna go home
Expressing the desire to leave the situation and return home.
Help me help you too
An appeal for assistance or collaboration.
Don't ask me, I'm not you
Declining responsibility or accountability for the situation.
It's always all the same
Expressing frustration or resignation that situations always remain the same.
And who're they going to blame now?
Rhetorical question asking who will be blamed for the circumstances.
Comment